Gravitrax - Flat High Speed Curve

v2.1 out now:
Even more reliable at high speeds! Optimized entrances and exits ensure smoother transitions, while the refined channel design better compensates for print tolerances and significantly reduces jams.

*** I'd really appreciate a LIKE if you like the model. 🙂***

Anyone who has ever pushed their Gravitrax marble run to full speed knows the problem: the track is perfectly set up and the marble is rolling with plenty of momentum. But at the next, tighter curve, things get critical — due to the low profile of standard curves, the marble can easily leave the track. High-speed curves solve exactly this issue, allowing smooth and controlled direction changes even at high speeds.

The tile is fully compatible with Gravitrax marble runs and works perfectly as a functional extension for existing tracks.

Optimizations

The original model by "Bas" had a curved surface, which caused a strong and unattractive stepping effect in 3D printing.
The surface has been completely flattened, resulting in a much smoother and more even top finish.

In addition, in v2 the entrances and exits of the curve were widened with a funnel-shaped geometry. This helps guide fast-moving marbles more reliably into the channel, especially when approaching from steeper angles. Collisions at the curve entry are significantly reduced, resulting in a smoother overall flow.

In v2.1 the diameter of the marble channel has also been slightly increased. This makes the model more tolerant of printer-related imperfections and reduces the risk of marbles getting stuck.

Reliable movement – even at high speeds

The marble channel remains approximately 75% closed.
The remaining opening is narrower than the diameter of a standard Gravitrax marble. This ensures the marble stays reliably in the track even at high speeds — it cannot jump out.

The open top provides additional advantages:

• the marble is always easy to follow visually
• the print requires no support structures

Function meets design

The tile visually matches the classic white Gravitrax elements.
To highlight its function as a high-speed curve, the marble channel is deliberately color-contrasted.

The two-tone look (2-Tone-Color) provides:

• clear distinction from standard curves
• a more refined and visually appealing design

A single-color version is also available via a dedicated print profile. In this version, the tile is designed as a single solid object, resulting in a more uniform surface finish.

Easy assembly

For easier printing without supports, the lower connector is printed separately.
After printing, it is inserted with the smooth side facing up into the designated slot and secured with standard super glue.

=====================

Version History

v1

• Flattened the originally curved tile surface to eliminate the strong stair-stepping effect in 3D printing
• Introduced the two-tone color design for improved visual appearance and better distinction of the marble channel

v2

• The entrances and exits of the curve were widened with a funnel-shaped geometry
• This helps to better guide fast-moving marbles into the partially enclosed channel, especially when approaching from steeper angles
• The transition into the curve is more forgiving, significantly reducing collisions at the entry point

v2.1

• The diameter of the marble channel was slightly increased along its entire length
• This helps compensate for printer-related inconsistencies and reduces the chance of marbles getting stuck due to minor print imperfections
• Added an additional print profile for single-color printing:
  • In the two-color version, the marble channels are separate objects within the tile
  • In the single-color version, the tile is designed as one solid object, resulting in a more uniform surface finish